This weekend there will be more vintage automobiles in Iola than the entire population of the town.
This is the 32nd year for the Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet, and as many as 2,500 antique cars will grace the showgrounds. The cars date from the early 1900's to as recent as 1975.
Most of the cars will start rolling onto the showgrounds on Thursday. On Wednesday, vendors started setting up their booths for the big auto part swap meet. Ninety percent of the items vendors sell must be auto-related.
"That's what people like about the Iola Car Show, it's auto-related," says Joan Schultz, executive director of the Iola Old Car Show. "If they're looking for parts, that's where they can come and find them."
Many of the vendors have sold their merchandise at the car show for several years. They keep coming back because of the friendly atmosphere and the people who show up.
"The old car people are a special breed," says Don Mogensen, a car parts vendor from Kiel. "They're trusting, they're honest. They're just nice people to be around."
The Iola Old Car Show runs Thursday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per day, or $15 for the entire four-day event. Children under 10 get in free.
The showgrounds are located off Highway 161 in Iola. Organizers say just look for the big tower!
